Answer to Question 1
Five workplace trends are worker mobility, the virtual office, technology, faster work pace, and team focus. Today's employees often work for 5 to 10 different organizations over the course of their careers. They may need to work in a virtual office, such as an office located in a home, client location, or hotel. They need to be able to deal with changing job conditions created by advancements in technology. Employees also need to be aware of the demands and pressures of a fast work pace and to be able to be team leaders and problem solvers. To manage their careers effectively, people entering the labor force need to be aware of workplace trends and learn a range of skills that can be applied to a variety of jobs, fields, and environments.
Answer to Question 2
The competition is other people who are applying for your targeted jobs. They may be people who already work for a targeted employer, have inside referrals, or have more skills to offer.